To say that I was stunned and saddened to hear of Tome's passing last week is a severe understatement. He was a long-time friend, all the way from kindergarten through graduation from Waynesville High School. In fact, his mother and mine were often home-room mothers for various school events, and Tom and I became close friends through those years. We kept in touch regularly. During my visits to Ohio, he sometimes arranged to attend a Cincinnati Reds baseball game--both at Riverfront Stadium and Great American Ball Park, and he always enjoyed the twice-a-month breakfasts of retired teachers and friends at the Village Restaurant. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the visitation or Celebration of Life, but my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and especially to Brandon. My deepest condolences to all.